Chalk Rundown

The washing down of chalk from an excessively eroding paint onto another area below (a brick foundation, for example), ruining its appearance (see Chalking).

Possible Causes:

• Use of a lower quality, highly pigmented paint.

• Use of an interior paint for an outdoor application.

• Erosion of factory-finished metal siding.

Solution:

• Remove as much of the chalk residue as possible (see Chalking). Scrub any stained areas with a stiff brush, using a detergent solution; rinse thoroughly. In cases of severe staining, an acid wash may be necessary. Either way, if the affected area dries to a different colour, consider painting it with a quality latex paint. Eroding aluminum siding should be thoroughly cleaned (power washing recommended) before painting with a quality exterior latex paint.